@1mActsOfHope

On 17 May, Hay Brecon and Talgarth Sanctuary for Refugees[ HBTSR] held a joyful and memorable Welcome Day at Ysgol Y Mynydd Du, bringing together families, volunteers, local organisations and community groups with a coachload of families seeking sanctuary in Swansea for a day filled with fun, friendship and support.

The event was made possible thanks to the incredible help and support of Head Teacher Tara Morgan and School of Sanctuary lead Dee Foster, whose encouragement and commitment helped create such a welcoming atmosphere for everyone attending. Planning was coordinated expertly by Carola Hoskins and Lawrence Duffy for HBTSR with the School staff.

Families enjoyed a packed programme of activities throughout the day. Facepainting by Dee and colouring and Lego in a quiet space was much appreciated. Not deterred by rain, there was a visit to a local ice cream parlour run by Dave, alongside a guided walk around Talgarth led by Gez and Sue Richards. Whist waiting for ice creams the Mill gardens were explored thanks to Margaret remembering the keycode and the permissions we were given.

Sports activities were a huge success, organised by Nicola and the Powys Sports Development Team. Football games became so engrossing that the children barely noticed when the fire engine arrived! the adults however enjoyed discussing with the Fire service staff and were intrigued to learn that the planned visit required a full risk assessment whereas if called in an emergency one was not required! Thanks also went to Adil, whose refereeing skills helped keep the football matches going.

One particularly touching moment came during the visit from local PCSOs and the fire brigade. One little boy became upset when he first saw the police officers entering the building, but by the end of their visit he was happily playing and laughing with them. A few police stickers had helped to break the ice, and it was wonderful to watch confidence and trust grow over the course of the afternoon.The interaction between children and PCSOs brought plenty of smiles — even if the handcuff demonstrations caused a little alarm at first!

There were many highlights across the day: adults enthusiastically joining in the hobby horse course, children and adults dancing spontaneously to music played by one of the Swansea visitors , pond dipping sessions, gardening activities, and families connecting over food and games.

HBTSR would like to thank the many organisations and volunteers whose generosity and hard work made the event possible:

• Black Mountains College and its students, including Samaa and Gaia, for helping throughout the day and supporting the kitchen team.
• Melrose for coordinating activities in the kitchen.
• Sarah Morgan from the Wildlife Trust for leading pond dipping activities.
• Jan from Talgarth Library for gardening activities.
• Kate from Nature Child for the hobby horse activities.
• Nicola and Bethan from the Powys Sports Development Team.
• Talgarth Festival, especially Beth, Jim, Julia and Del for loan of tables and Gazebos; much needed with the uncertain weather.
• Jackie Pritchard from the Scouts for Tomahawk throwing!
• Helen for providing first aid support.
• Crosfield Outdoors for Archery
• School governors and teachers, especially Dee Foster, Tara Morgan and Vicky Fletcher.
• Cris, Joe and Vicky Fletcher.
• Lilli Hahne for baking, lifting, cleaning and helping wherever needed. Lilli is visiting from Germany and was a superb help.
• Talgarth Food Share.
• The local PCSOs and Talgarth Fire Crew.

Additional thanks go to Talgarth Visitor Centre for donating souvenir wooden key rings for the visitors, which, like the ice creams at Parrys Ice Creams, were funded through support from the Dyfed-Powys Police & Crime Commissioner’s Proceeds of Crime Fund, arranged by Talgarth and District Regeneration Group. Thanks to Cllr William Powell for facilitating this.

Generous food donations also helped make the day special, including fruit , onions and potatoes from Cathy and Dennis, produce from Claire’s Wholefoods Shop, wonderful bread from Pobl, and vegetables and flowers, donated through Talgarth Food Share from the Talgarth Co-Op. Finally thanks to Talgarth Mill for donations of flour and yeast so people could make bread at home. Again thanks to Bwyd Powys Food whose grant has helped us to buy food locally and share it with our visitors.

By the end of the day, it was clear that the Welcome Day had achieved exactly what it set out to do — creating connection, joy and community. New friendships were formed, families felt welcomed and supported, and many new volunteers expressed interest in helping with future events. In the week when a Million acts of Hope are to be celebrated nationally, this was a shining example of community collaboration and hopefulness.

It truly was a team effort, and HBTSR is deeply grateful to everyone who contributed their time, energy and kindness.

We’re already looking forward to doing it all again next year.

Thanks from Swansea

• thank you for arranging this trip we had a nice day XX

• it was a very good day, even though it was a little rainy, we had a very nice day, we enjoyed it very much, we hope to travel again, thank you very much for everything.

• It was a good trip. The people were lovely, very kind, smiling, and the place was full of old things.

• it was fantastic. Meeting new people and new environment .Thanks 👍🏿

• Thank you very much,
  we were very happy on Sunday me and my family
  We enjoyed together, and it was great day ,
  All staff was kind
  Thank you for everything.
  See you soon
  

• Hello and greetings, don’t be tired. It was a great trip. I made everyone happy with my songs and music. I thank you again and appreciate you for preparing this great trip for us 🙏🏼👏

• It was great and thank you for inviting 🌠🌻

• Thank you very much for your kind message. We truly enjoyed the trip and had a wonderful time.

• We really appreciated the warm hospitality of every single person there who kindly gave their time and attention to us. The beautiful weather, peaceful and green environment, and the excellent refreshments and arrangements made the experience even more enjoyable.

• I would also like to sincerely thank you and all the friends who coordinated everything and included us with the rest of the group. Your kindness and support meant a lot to us.

As we have only been in the UK for one year and, with two children, we still do not have relatives, close friends, or even a car here, my children had been feeling quite isolated and low in spirit. This trip truly lifted their mood and brought great happiness to our family.

For this, my family and I are genuinely grateful to you and everyone involved.

With sincere thanks and appreciation